October 24, 2018

Lk 12: 39-48

“But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”

Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for everyone?” And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and prudent manager whom his master will put in charge of his slaves, to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions.

But if that slave says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and if he begins to beat the other slaves, men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, and put him with the unfaithful. That slave who knew what his master wanted, but did not prepare himself or do what was wanted, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know and did what deserved a beating will receive a light beating.

From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

Aware of our privilege

For those of us inspired by the Jesuit charism, commitment to “a faith that does justice” may seem obvious. As people for and with others, we tend to align ourselves with those who care for the marginalized. We know we are blessed and that we must show concern for the suffering.

The Ignatian call to solidarity requires us not only to feel compassion toward the vulnerable, but to examine our privileges and their role in perpetuating injustice. How do we react when we are challenged to consider the ways our comforts contribute to the oppression of others: immigrants, refugees, women, people of color, people experiencing hunger and homelessness, LGBT folks? Do we find ourselves feeling defensive? Afraid? Attached?

We are the ones to whom much has been given and entrusted. As we encounter people in need, how can we do more to become aware of and intentional with our privilege?

Ignatian spirituality reminds us that God pursues us in the routines of our home and work life, and in the hopes and fears of life's challenges. The founder of the Jesuits, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, created the Spiritual Exercises to deepen our relationship with Christ and to move our contemplation into service. May this prayer site anchor your day and strengthen your resolve to remember what truly matters.

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October 24, 2018

Lk 12: 39-48

“But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”

Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for everyone?” And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and prudent manager whom his master will put in charge of his slaves, to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions.

But if that slave says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and if he begins to beat the other slaves, men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, and put him with the unfaithful. That slave who knew what his master wanted, but did not prepare himself or do what was wanted, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know and did what deserved a beating will receive a light beating.

From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

Aware of our privilege

For those of us inspired by the Jesuit charism, commitment to “a faith that does justice” may seem obvious. As people for and with others, we tend to align ourselves with those who care for the marginalized. We know we are blessed and that we must show concern for the suffering.

The Ignatian call to solidarity requires us not only to feel compassion toward the vulnerable, but to examine our privileges and their role in perpetuating injustice. How do we react when we are challenged to consider the ways our comforts contribute to the oppression of others: immigrants, refugees, women, people of color, people experiencing hunger and homelessness, LGBT folks? Do we find ourselves feeling defensive? Afraid? Attached?

We are the ones to whom much has been given and entrusted. As we encounter people in need, how can we do more to become aware of and intentional with our privilege?